Monday, 28 October 2013

This article drew me in through the title and the appendix. The research included in the article is aimed at younger people rather than university students. Though some parts of this article were interesting the most relevant was the appendix.

The appendix was really good at giving a good idea of how to write a questionnaire aimed at students.

Beichner is the creator of the scale up project. He
describes the main goal of the project it to "Establish a highly
collaborative, hands-on, computer-rich, interactive learning environment for
large, introductory college courses." He aimed the project for students
studying science however I have now read that many subject areas have used this
way of teaching.

His aim is to get groups of students to work in groups and
become engaged with the material they are been taught. Scales up lessons are
another type of lesson for teachers/ lecturers to use other that lectures or in
his case lab work. In a scale up class all the students are taught in the same
room with the same students and lecturers in every class so that each lesson
can build on the last. An effective scale up classroom is where a lecturer is
able to move around and interact with each group. This means that the lecturer
is able to help any group with problems and make sure they interact with every
group.

Part of the scale up approach is setting students reading /
research to do before the lesson. When in lesson the work on group activities
based on their reading, the lecturer can also set follow up homework for
students to further practice/ understand what they have been doing in the lesson.

Technology is used in Beichner's scale up lessons to allow
data collection, analysis, mathematical modelling etc.

He advises that any staff who wants to use the scale up
approach first think about what they want the students to learn from their
lesson. He suggests that some teachers just use textbook topics to base a
lesson upon however there are other goals that can be applied.

Beichner explains that there is also a large body of
evidence that suggest that students learn best when they work together. In a
book by Alexander Astin (what Matters In College) explains that "peer involvement
and student/teacher interaction are by far the most significant influences on
retention and achievement." He creates the groups in lessons based on
things such as previous scores and grades in previous course work and attempts
to make each group heterogeneous. He splits the students with the top grades up
into separate groups and the same with the lower grades so that students are
recourses to the rest of the groups. The groups are also switched 3 or 4 times
each term because if not the groups become too comfortable with one another and
discussion topics are not always what they should be. He also noted that there
is a 'two week lull' somewhere around the 10th week where the class performance
drops. If the groups were only to be switched once a term then there is often a
lot of disruption because the students have formed friendships however regularly
changing the groups prevents this. in addition to this each group creates a
contract so that if a team member is not pulling their weight the group can
"fire" them, and because some group work is too much to do alone they
avoid been fired.

They also make sure that grades are not 'curved' as curving
discourages student collaboration. (A student has so done badly for a student
to do well.) Instead the student earns point through activities. Homework set
counts towards 20-25% of the overall grade rather than 10-15%. This encourages
the students to put in more effort for their homework.

Student can access an outline of the day’s lesson plan which
helps them to have an advanced organiser of the day’s work. All the activities
in the lesson are based on one particular topic. 'Tangibles' are short, hand on
acuities and 'ponderable' are interesting questions too consider. These types
of activities are to help with student difficulties. Tangibles present a
physical situation that requires observation or data collection. They ask
questions like 'why are we doing this?' and 'what am I supposed to learn from
this?'

Beichner uses 'webassign' for homework. They are given
straight forward questions to do before class to encourage students to read.
During class the teacher focuses on difficulties rather than the basics.
Evaluation studies found that students read a book ahead of lesson when reading
quizzes are assigned (UCF Studies.) Webassign is used for follow homework which
makes sure that every one completes the homework.

Finally Beichner talks about the educational impact the
project had on the students. The scale up findings:

·"Conceptual understanding is increased

·The top third of the class show the greatest improvement
in conceptual understanding

Thursday, 17 October 2013

I've done a brief summary of each section. This journal mainly discusses its use in a chemistry context but we can relate some parts to education.

Abstract

Flipped learning can use a variety of technology facilitated
strategies to maximise engagement, probe understanding and ensure students are
able to apply the knowledge effectively.

Introduction

It gives students skills that graduates will need in
employment, including the ability to work independently to solve problems.

It's shown that brain activity during lectures is comparable
to that registered when watching television (Poh et al 2010). Furthermore,
students are remarkably poor judges of how effectively they have learned during
a lecture. Their impression appears to be based largely on the performance of
the lecturer.

The consensus is that dynamic, interactive learning in which
students are presented with opportunities to solve problems is more effective.

However, our institutions rarely have the resources to
increase contact time and the difficulty is the type of teaching we would like
to do takes time.

Executing the flip

Flipped learning should be student led wherever possible and
students should send their queries to the academic in advance.

Evaluation

Lecture flipping is by far the best received change to
teaching practice. No two flipped sessions will be the same and it will help
students to come to terms with their misconceptions.

However, flipping the lecture can only be recommended for
teaching staff convinced by the potential of interactivity and engagement with
the confidence to relinquish some control.

For the student, flipping lectures promotes independent
learning and allows much greater attention to problem solving and higher order
skills.

The Flipped Classroom- Online instruction at home frees class time for learning
By Bill Tucker

Main points

Bergmann and Sams stumbled across the idea of a flipped
classroom because they were struggling to find the time to reteach lessons for
absent students.

The advantages of it are the class becomes the place to work
through problems, advance concepts, engage in collaborative learning and
maximise the scarcest learning-resource time.

Bergmann was able to check their notes and required each
student to come to class with a question to think more deeply about the
content. He could easily query individual students, probe for misconceptions
and clear up incorrect notions. Bergmann also had the time to work individually
with every student. He quoted "I talk to every student in every classroom
every day."

He notes he now spends more time with struggling students
and advanced students have more freedom to learn independently. The new
arrangement fosters better relationships; there is greater student engagement
and higher levels of motivation.

Other teachers incorporating the method have discussed how
it poses a tremendous instructional challenge on how to explain a concept in a
clear, concise, bite-sized chunk.

However, the flipped classroom approach runs the risk of
being falsely pigeon-holed into one of educations many false dichotomies and can
be seen as another front in a false battle between teachers and technology.

Two Colorado teachers, Jonathan Bergman and Aaron Sams, are 'often referred to as the pioneers of Flipped Learning.' (p3). In 2007 they started to use live lectures and voiceover powerpoints for students. In their book "Flip your classroom: Reach Every Student in Every Class Every Day (2012)" they stated that after flipping their classroom, students started 'interacting more in class' and 'students who were behind received more individual attention while advanced students continued to progress.' (p3). In 2012 they set up the not-for-profit Flipped Learning Network (FLN) to allow teachers to learn about the flipped classroom. In January 2012, 2500 teachers were members, and in March 2013, over 12000 teachers were members. (p3).'No two flipped classrooms are identical.' (p4).The article talks about the shift from a teacher-centered classroom to a student-centered classroom, where the in-class time is spent doing work and activities in greater depth as reading or other work has been done beforehand so the students are already knowledgeable about the session. In the flipped classroom, educators are more important than ever, and the theory that online podcasts or videos will replace educators over time is unlikely; just because their role is less visible in the flipped classroom they are just as important, if not more, than before.'Quantitative and rigorous qualitative research on Flipped Learning is limited.' (p6).'Active learning also improves student academic performance.' (p6).'Increases student engagement and critical thinking; and improves student attitudes.' (p6).Eric Mazur at Harvard University is in favour of the flipped classroom stating that new technology such as online lectures, podcasts and videos allow the students to prepare for their next session with their teacher and focus on further learning rather than sitting and note taking like in traditional settings.Mussalam 2010: 'students who had studied material outside of class found it to be easier to learn new material in class.' (p7).Flipped classroom research is generally: 'teacher reports on student achievement after adopting the model, descriptions of flipped classrooms, course completion rates, survey research measuring an array of outcomes, such as teacher, student and parent attitudinal changes.' (p7).'May not be the best structure, for example, for an introductory course.' (p8).

The flipped classroom is not an entirely new idea, it was developed from similar activities such as 'hybrid or blended classrooms.' (p19).The article talks about flipped classrooms giving students more freedom and control, enabling them to work at their own time and pace. In simple terms the flipped classroom is quite simply doing the homework before the lesson with the use of podcasts or videos, and then using the lesson time to complete further work in more depth with the teacher on hand if needed. Many people are in favour of the flipped classroom however there is 'still a lot of controversy among educators.' (p19).The early work of Eric Mazur at Harvard (1990's) links to the flipped classroom approach, by using computers to give instructions he then had more time to help his students rather than just feed them information.Jonathan Bergman and Aaron Sams used a software that allowed speech over powerpoints, they also began posting live lectures online for pupils who were absent from the lectures. This soon became a popular method and they were asked to speak about it around their county.Clintondale High School, Detroit: Teachers created 3 videos per week lasting 5-7 minutes for students to watch at home. Class time was then used for different activities and students had the teacher in the same room if they needed any help. Before the study 50% freshman failed English and 44% failed Maths. Afterwards only 19% failed English and 13% failed maths. (p20).The flipped classroom is beneficial as it allows students to become aware of the lesson material before they arrive. Students may absorb more of the information watching a video or lecture at home in their own time. Teachers can spend more time in lessons helping students with what they don't understand rather than just teaching things off a powerpoint. Benefits: 'Critical thinking by students.''Student ownership of learning.''Student exploration.''Faculty having time to assist students on things they couldn't learn by themselves.'(All p21).The flipped classroom has proven successful and beneficial in education, 'benefits to the students and faculty outweigh the time involved for creating this new learning environment.'

The researchers firstly d(escribe the SCALE-UP method by using the analogy of a "restaurant"; Beichner (2008 p. 18) the students are sat around a round table discussing their subject which they are studying. From this they are waiting instruction from their course instructors "the waiters". This highlights the idea of the course instructor floating from table to table and asking them questions. This particularly setting has proven to be more beneficial than that of a traditional learning environment.

The SCALE- UP Project has advantages including:

Interaction

Motivation

And is also being used in a diverse collection of subjects and institutions

According to Beichner (2008) the large tables are optimal for the students learning and that the space at which the students are apart will determine whether the learning in successful or not. In doing so it is essential that the students are close enough to work in dual partnership with each other but the tables should not be crowded as this is counter productive.

It is interesting that each student has a name tag and that they are given roles which are often changed for each activity presented. Beichner (2008) emphasises that in the SCALE-UP classroom all students are visible and "cannot hide" this forces someone with a shy disposition to also contribute and gain the full experience of the classroom.

This pedagogical approach to learning aids students in the production of new skills whether that be collaborative skills, problem solving and social communication. These skills are therefore also essential in later life and in the "real world". It is paramount that each student fulfils their specific role and completes the pre learning of online homework as it is the platform for the learning in the SCALE-UP classroom. Without this completion the group dynamics and work is effected so it therefore enables students to work as a team.

In addition, the impact which the SCALE- UP environment has on the student can only be beneficial for each student. Beichner (2008) emphasises the dramatic improvement of women and minority students in comparison to that of a traditional setting which the university previously used.

Brooks (2010) emphasises that students learning outcomes are affected by their relationship with formal learning environments. He strongly believes that a strategy of improving learning spaces is that of technology; in comparison to a traditional classroom setting of tables, chairs and the teacher providing the aims and objectives of what needs to be learnt. Therefore highlighting the importance of redesigning classrooms in order to aid students in effective learning.

Beichner et al. (2007) of the North Carolina State University of the Student-Centered Activities for Large Enrollment Undergraduate Programs (SCALE-UP) requires students to work in a pedagogical approach to learning by working in groups on large circular tables where they are encouraged to work as a group with laptops. They previously view the lectures online and are the asked to apply this to the SCALE-UP sessions and solve the problems given.

Brooks (2010) therefore created a quasi-experimental design of comparing the results of students who were taught identical lessons of a course but in two different learning environments that were far from the formal and traditional teaching style that they were used to. They were then compared to the traditional setting.

The findings of the study concluded that there were no significant differences other than an improvement in ACT scores, highlighting the positive impact on students grades.

The experiment concluded that the physical environment which students are learning can be instantly improved through the change in physical environment that of which they learn in. The added tool of technology also was proven as a positive outcome in comparison to the traditional formal setting that is conventionally used.

Flipped
classrooms were provided as a way of shifting the way in which teachers provide
instruction by ‘inverting traditional teaching methods to engage students in
the learning process.’

“Passive
learners exist solely as receivers, active learners are full participants in
the process, allowing them to add to their retentive capabilities through
continued self-reinforcement (Pestress, 2008)

Flipped
classrooms promote social interaction. It allows the students to work together and
contribute to each other’s and their own learning.

Throughout the
article there are lots of diagrams and graphs that show the results of both
those who have been exposed to the flipped classrooms and those who have not,
showing the differences in their learning development.

This article
also talks about tests that are carried out with the students before and after
exams or assignments to try and gather the data regarding whether or not the
process of flipped learning is effective or not.

Likert
scales are used measure the effectiveness of the module for the participants as
well as measure their understanding of ‘conceptual and pedagogical processes. Open
ended surveyed are also carried out to try and collect qualitative data to
determine the impact of the module on the changing attitudes and feelings of
the participant throughout the teaching process.

Results suggest
that the majority of the students that took part in the gathering of the data,
indicated that they their learning was improved by the end and completion of
the module, introducing flipped classrooms.

Kathleen
Fulton (2012) came up with advantages for the flipped classroom ;

üStudents are
able to move at their own pace

üTeachers are
able to gain better insight into the students style of working and the things
that they are finding difficult

üThe time
within the classroom can be used more effectively

üThe use of
the technology is flexible and appropriate for ‘21st Century
Learning’

üMore time
can be used working with the students on authentic research.

ü‘promotes
thinking inside and outside of the classroom’

üStudents are
able to be more actively involved in their own learning.

ü

“Studies published
in the peer reviewed literature on the impact of the flipped classroom on
student learning in STEM classes appear to support the anecdotal evidence
supplied by teachers” Strayer (2012)

Two major
problems have been bought up regarding the flipped approach to learning.

üStudents that have not familiar with the
method could initially be resistant to the idea therefore causing them to come
unprepared to the class, meaning that they would be behind and not able to join
in with discussion.

üTeachers have said that they find it
difficult to find good quality videos to provide their students with. Also the act of creating the videos is time
consuming, therefore teachers finding it hard to find the time.

Team learning, developed by Larry Michaelsen
(1992) came up with the idea of giving students reading assignments before
meeting in the class and then when they are in class they take part in
individual quizzes and group quizzes, then leading onto case studies.

-Herreid
(2002) has described the successful use of Michaelsons method in STEM courses.

“ ‘Hybrid
courses” and “blended courses” have students learning their subject matter via
a combination of traditional classroom interactions and some form of internet
based learning.”
All of the methods ‘allow instructors to cover principles, facts, and terms as
part of out-of-class student preparation and to use classroom time to deliver
the application side where students grapple with real-world problems and see
the material in context.’

Within a
poll that was carried out by Herreid and Schiller, the teachers explained that
they preferred online videos over the use of reading materials to be able to achieve
the goal of being able to prepare the students outside of class for in class
active learning. They also said that their students preferred this method also.

Lents (2012) examined the use of
video tutorials within an undergraduate chemistry course. The way in which he
examined this was by assessing students assignments and exam results. He also included
using student’s oral and written feedback, before and after their exams. He
also used data from previous classes taught by the same tutor.

“The flipped
classroom, with its use of videos that enlarge and focus student learning,
offers us a new model for case study teaching, combining active, student-centred
learning with content mystery that can be applied to solving real-world
problems.”

This journal has lots of diagrams through out with information in which go together and i think it will be alot easier to understand if i bring it in for you all to look at or type "Bishop, Jacob Lowell. "The Flipped Classroom: A Survey of the Research." into Google scholar.
The diagrams are;
Theoretical frameworks for flipped classroom
psycho educational origins of student - centered learning theories
Venn diagram of several student - centered learning theories and methods

There are also results of a previous study presented in a table. ( may give us ideas for our research)

instead of trying to explain all the diagrams and tables i will bring it in for you to look at

The link is http://moodle.technion.ac.il/file.php/1298/Announce/How_Flipping_the_Classroom_Can_Improve_the_Traditional_Lecture.pdf

"students are effectively educating each other"
"it means they're in control and not me"
Quotes from page 1

Students may dislike the idea of flipped classroom learning because they don't physically get the material from the lesson and they may have to find it themselves.

Students think of it to much like homework

make university's wonder if they should deliver lectures as flipped learning allows students to work at their own pace and to their own strategies.

Budgets make it difficult to decrease class sizes and have more seminars rather than lectures . students don't often get enough teachers attention.
"class size is not the most important factor in teaching this way" Page 3

"research by Ms Rhea and two colleagues suggests that teaching methods have led to greater gains in conceptual understanding"

you want the students to enjoy the class and succeed. flipped learning is better for this

"its a whole different paradigm of teaching" page 6

"once you engage the students minds theres eagerness to learn to be right , to master" Page 5